English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
